Produced by Sujoy Ghosh & a big team of co producers comprising of Gulab Singh Tanwar, Hyunwoo Thomas Kim, Suresh Nair, Sameer Rajendran & Gauri Sathe, latest released Hindi film ‘Te3n’ is written and directed by Ribhu Dasgupta, who had earlier directed Amitabh Bachchan’s debut TV series ‘Yudh’ . ‘Te3n’ is however a remake of the 2013 South Korean film Montage and has four well known artistes Amitabh Bachchan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Vidya Balan,Padmavati Rao & Sabyasachi Chakrabarty, playing lead roles.
John Biswas( Amitabh Bachchan) a 70-year old grandfather, has been visiting the police station regularly, to inquire about the progress of the kidnapping case of his grand daughter Angela, who has been missing since 8 years. Police Officer Sarita Sarkar( Vidya Balan) has no clues about the case. But, there is another Police officer Martin Das(Nawazuddin Siddiqui), who being unsuccessful in solving the same case, feeling the guilt has quit his job, only to turn a priest.
One day, a little boy Ronnie is reported kidnapped and the investigations reveal that the modus operandi for kidnapping Ronnie, is the same as that of Angela. Inspector Sarita Sarkar requests Martin for his assistance. Martin does support her, by providing clues and Sarita begins investigating this case seriously. But, at the same time, John who is not happy with the attitude of Martin, starts investigating his grand daughter’s case, in his own style. John’s wife Nancy( Sabyasachi Chakrabarty) is sick person and bound to a wheel chair. But, despite his personal problems, John is determined to search the kidnapper of his grand daughter.
During this interesting investigation, the screenplay of this film holds the audience to their seats during the entire period. But, the last few minutes of the film, which unfolds the mystery, may not appeal all. However, the director has succeeded to present the subject well, before the Indian audience. He has used the location of Kolkata very well, reminding us of the film ‘Kahani’, which was also shot in a similar way, presenting the city life live. There isn’t much scope for music, being a detective film; but few songs have been used in the background well. Tushar Kanti Ray’s cinematography is superb, especially in all those scenes, capturing the close up expressions of the artistes. Both Amitabh Bachchan and Nawazuddin Siddiqui have played their parts very well. Best performance however comes from Big B, who has totally involved into his character, which is clearly noticed through his body language, in every scene. Good support comes from Sabyasachi Chakrabarty and Vidya Balan; but one fails to understand, as to why Vidya Balan’s name has been mentioned in guest appearance, when she has her role in continuity, throughout the film.
There are few flaws in this film, particularly, the manner in which the mystery is unveiled. Nevertheless, detective film lovers, may enjoy this film.
Rating ( ***1/2)